Stand-Alone Ice Maker Sealing and Transparency for Spill Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stand-alone ice makers face challenges such as difficulty in determining ice availability due to condensation and insulation, and issues with removing ice or adding water without spilling, leading to inefficiencies and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone ice making appliance with a transparent container, a removable water tank, and a selective sealing system that includes a biased sealing plug and plug prong to manage fluid communication, allowing easy access and preventing spills, while maintaining ice storage at ambient temperatures above freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is made opaque with insulation to maintain ice temperature, then ice storage reliability is improved, but the ability to view ice availability without opening the ice maker deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates a translucent or transparent portion that allows visual detection of ice availability without compromising the insulation's ability to maintain ice temperature. This selective transparency resolves the contradiction by providing visual information while preserving thermal reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the container is made removable for easy ice access, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of spilling water or ice deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A removable insert or tray is introduced as an intermediary between the container and the user. This insert can be easily removed for ice access while the main container remains in place, preventing spills. The insert acts as a mediator that provides ease of operation without compromising containment stability.
3Ease of operation
If the water tank is made removable for easy water refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of water spillage during refilling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is designed with pre-positioned sealing features and alignment guides that ensure proper engagement before refilling. The tank can be removed and reattached with preliminary alignment features that prevent misalignment and spillage, allowing easy refilling without compromising containment.
4Device complexity
If the ice maker relies on the refrigerator's refrigeration system, then device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of ice production deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ice making system is segmented into a modular stand-alone unit that can be independently installed within the refrigerator. This segmentation allows the ice maker to operate independently with its own refrigeration cycle, increasing ice production capacity without significantly increasing overall system complexity through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to easily view and access ice, manage water supply, and prevent spills, making the appliance cost-effective and user-friendly for producing nugget ice at ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of insulated sidewalls may at least partially define a storage volume to receive ice from the ice maker. The sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls may include an internal panel proximal to the storage volume and an external panel distal to the storage volume. The internal panel and the external panel may define an insulation gap therebetween.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand-alone ice making appliance, as provided herein, may include an outer casing, a water tank, a pump, an ice maker, and a container. The outer casing may define an internal cavity that includes a primary opening. The water tank may define a storage volume to receive water. The pump may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to actively flow water therefrom. The ice maker may in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to receive water therefrom. The container may be disposed within the internal cavity. One or more insulated walls or sealing features may be further included herein.